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Parole one republic apologize12/14/2022 ![]() And this didn’t end in 1969 with the partial decriminalization of homosexual sex. Their names appeared in newspapers in order to humiliate them, and their families. Those arrested and charged were purposefully and vindictively shamed. This criminalization would have lasting impacts for things like employment, volunteering, and travel. ![]() Our laws made private and consensual sex between same-sex partners a criminal offence, leading to the unjust arrest, conviction, and imprisonment of Canadians. Our laws bolstered and emboldened those who wanted to attack non-conforming sexual desire. Bathhouses were raided, people were entrapped by police. And discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities was quickly codified in criminal offences like “buggery”, “gross indecency”, and bawdy house provisions. They were rejected and left vulnerable to violence. ![]() People who were once revered for their identities found themselves shamed for who they were. Norms that saw the near-destruction of Indigenous LGBTQ and two-spirit identities. They brought rigid gender norms – norms that manifested in homophobia and transphobia. Since arriving on these shores, settlers to this land brought with them foreign standards of right and wrong – of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. And it is my hope that in talking about these injustices, vowing to never repeat them, and acting to right these wrongs, we can begin to heal. Today, we finally talk about Canada’s role in the systemic oppression, criminalization, and violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit communities. Speaker, today we acknowledge an often-overlooked part of Canada’s history. This happened systematically, in Canada, with a timeline more recent than any of us would like to admit. These aren’t distant practices of Governments long forgotten. People who lost their livelihoods, and in some cases, their lives. This is the devastating story of people who were branded criminals by the government. This is the truth for many of the Canadians present in the Gallery today, and those listening across the country. ![]() And imagine being criminalized for being who you are. Imagine having to fight for the basic rights that your peers enjoy, over and over again. Speaker, being subjected to laws, policies, and hiring practices that label you as different – as “less than”. Not because you can’t do the job, or because you lack patriotism or courage – no, because of who you are as a person, and because of who your sexual partners are. Sees you as a threat to our national security. Now imagine, if you will, being told that the very country you would willingly lay down your life to defend doesn’t want you. In whatever capacity one serves, dedicating your life to making Canada – and indeed, the world – a better place is a calling of the highest order. Maybe it’s in government, in the military, or in a police force. One of the greatest choices a person can make in their life is the choice to serve their fellow citizens. Together, we commit to continue this work to ensure that our Canada is one where we are all free to be who we are. Progress made so far is a result of the courage of trailblazers past and present. A calling-out of harassment, oppression and exclusion. The formal apology delivered by the Prime Minister one year ago has resonated with communities across the globe. We are speaking up for human rights as co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition. We are providing greater assistance and funding to refugees and to vulnerable individuals in regions of conflict. We are extending our reach beyond our borders, actively promoting LGBTI trade and promoting human rights through Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. Since the apology, we have been working actively with communities to build capacity and network individuals and organizations across the country to better meet the needs of LGBTQ2 Canadians. We have taken action toward the expungement of convictions for acts that would be legal today. That commitment is demonstrated by our work to redress past injustices, such as the shameful ‘LGBT Purge.’ Work is now underway to implement the reconciliation and memorialization measures following the settlement of the class action. We are committed to engaging with and listening to vulnerable individuals. The Government of Canada promotes an inclusive society that works for all our citizens. As the Prime Minister promised that day, it shall not be our future. The Prime Minister reflected on livelihoods lost. That is the time that has passed since the Prime Minister delivered his historic apology to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians. Anniversary of the apology to LGBTQ2 Canadians
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